Collapsible Three Legged Platform

ABSTRACT

A collapsible three-legged platform is provided. The three legs are attached at a central pivot point such that the platform can collapse. The legs can be adapted to support a variety of objects.

CONTINUATION

This application is a continuation of, and priority is hereby claimedto, U.S. patent application having the application Ser. No. 15/607,659,filed on May 29, 2017, and titled “Collapsible Three Legged Platform.”This application also claims priority to U.S. patent application havingthe application Ser. No. 14/522,070, filed on Oct. 23, 2014.Accordingly, all disclosures made in the Ser. Nos. 15/607,659 and14/522,070 applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a collapsible platform for securely supportingan object, for example, a wok. More particularly, a collapsiblethree-legged platform assembly pivotally secured together in such a wayto enable the assembly to collapse for easy transport is disclosed.

Description of Related Art

Platforms for supporting objects are used in a variety of settings. Forexample, platforms may be used as a base for a table, chairs, orbarbeque grills. Most platforms used for this purpose are physicallyattached to the supported structure and are not designed to becollapsible.

For some applications, it is desirable for the platform to provide openspace beneath the pivot point for additional storage. Currentcollapsible platform designs use a long pivot structure in order toprovide strength for the overall platform. However, using a long pivotstructure greatly diminishes the amount of available storage spacebeneath the pivot. There is a need for a collapsible platform thatprovides a large amount of open space beneath the pivot point whilebeing strong and stable enough to safely support a heavy object.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A three-legged platform that is secured at a short pivot point, enablingthe assembly to collapse flat for easy storage and transport while alsoproviding a large amount of open space beneath the pivot point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various exemplary implementationsand are part of the specification. The illustrated implementations areproffered for purpose of example, not for purpose of limitation.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective exploded view of the collapsiblethree-legged platform, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 2a depicts a side view of a first leg of the collapsiblethree-legged platform, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 2b depicts a side view of a second leg of he collapsiblethree-legged platform, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 2c depicts a side view of a third leg of the collapsiblethree-legged platform, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 3 depicts a disassembled view of the pivot components, as shown anddescribed herein.

FIG. 4 depicts an assembled view of the pivot components, as shown anddescribed herein.

FIG. 5 depicts a cross sectional view of the central pivot post having aspring disposed therein, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an assembled collapsiblethree-legged platform, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 7 depicts a top-side plain view of the collapsible three-leggedplatform in the “opened” position, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 8 depicts a top-side plain view of the collapsible three-leggedplatform in the “collapsed” position, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 9 depicts a release mechanism, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of the collapsible three-leggedplatform having a wok disposed thereon, as shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The collapsible three-legged platform, also referred to herein as“platform,” will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading thefollowing Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective exploded view of the collapsiblethree-legged platform. The collapsible three-legged platform includesthree or more legs (three are shown, leg 20, leg 30, leg 40). Each leg20, 30, 40 can include one or more arms 20 b, 30 b, and 40 b; one ormore extension elements 20 d, 30 d, 40 d; one or more support lips 20 a,30 a, 40 a; or a combination thereof. A handle 40 f can be disposed onone or more of the legs. The legs should be made from a strong material,preferably metal, such that they can support a significant amount ofweight without deforming or breaking. In at least one embodiment, eacharm is a trapezoidal shape, providing additional strength to the arm.

The top of each leg 20, 30, and 40 can be bent at an acute angle toprovide a support lip 20 a, 30 a, and 40 a, such that the legs cansupport a lower surface of an object. The support lips 20 a, 30 a, and40 a can be angled in such a way to provide support to a plurality ofobjects that may be suited to place on top of the platform. For example,the support lips 20 a, 30 a, and 40 a may be bent to support a lowerflat surface of pan or wok.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 a, leg 20 can include an arm 20 b thatextends outward and can form a loop to provide structural support. Anextension element 20 d can extend from the distal end of the arm 20 band a cylindrical sleeve 20 c can extend from the extension element 20d. The cylindrical sleeve 20 c can be hollow or otherwise configured toattached to one or more other cylindrical sleeves and pivot postextending from another leg (two are shown; 30, 40).

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 b, leg 30 can include an am 30 b that extendsoutward and can form a loop to provide structural support. An extensionelement 30 d can extend from the distal end of the arm 30 b and acylindrical sleeve 30 c can extend from the extension element 30 d. Thecylindrical sleeve 30 c can be hollow or otherwise configured toattached to one or more other cylindrical sleeves and pivot postextending from another leg (two are shown; 20, 40).

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 c, leg 40 can include an arm 40 b thatextends outward and can form a loop to provide structural support. Anextension element 40 d can extend from the arm 40 b. As shown, theextension element 40 d can be relatively flat and can extend from thearm 40 b at a position near the bottom of the arm 40 b. A central pivotpost 40 c can extend upward from the extension element 40 d. In one ormore embodiments, one or more of the extension elements 20 d, 30 d, 40 dcan be absent.

Referring to FIG. 2c , an upper capping member 10 can be secured to atop portion of the arm 40 b. The upper capping member 10 can extend outover the top of the central pivot post 40 c. In an alternativeembodiment, the pivot post 40 c can extend downward from the extensionelement 40 d and the upper capping member 10 can be secured to a bottomportion of the arm 40 b. However arranged, it is important that thecylindrical sleeves 20 c, 30 c are not allowed to freely slide off ofthe central pivot post 40 c; this can be accomplished by appropriatelyusing one or more capping members 10.

In at least on embodiment, one or more holes 10 a can be disposedthrough the upper capping member 10 so that an attachment means ormechanism (including: glue, nails, screws 12 a and 12 b, other attachinghardware known to one in the art) can attach or otherwise secure theupper capping member 10 to the arm 40 b. Together, the cylindricalsleeves 20 c and 30 c, and the central pivot post 40 c form a centralpivot axis C for the collapsible platform.

Fuel line attachment 80 can be disposed on any one of the legs, but isshown on leg 40. The fuel line attachment 80 can be configured to supplygas or other fuel to a burner (not shown) disposed about the center ofthe platform and above the central pivot post 40 c, In at least oneembodiment, the burner can be mounted to the platform by a central screw12 c securing it to a hole disposed in the upper capping member 10. Morespecifically, the burner can be disposed centrally over the pivotassembly so that it can provide heat to any cooking surface disposed onthe platform. A fuel line 82 can run through the fuel line attachment 80and to a fuel source 84. One such fuel source 84 can include a tank ofpropane gas, where the pressurized propane gas is controlled by aregulator and directed to the burner through the fuel line 82. In analternative embodiment, the fuel source could contain gasoline, campingfuel, white fuel, or any fuel capable of providing a flame at theburner. Though not shown, the burner can include any burner capable ofproviding a flame, though a flame appropriate for providing heat to acooking surface would be most appropriate when the platform is used as acooking platform.

As is commonly known, a user may initiate a supply of fuel from the fuelsource 84, through the fuel lines 82, and to the burner. The user canthen ignite the fuel to provide a flame.

The cylindrical sleeve 20 c, cylindrical sleeve 30 c, and the centralpivot post 40 c can be collectively referred to as the “pivotcomponents.” As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the central pivot post 40 c canbe generally cylindrical and appropriately sized or otherwise configuredto slideably connect to, or fit inside of, cylinder sleeves 20 c and 30c. In an alternative embodiment, the central pivot post 40 c andcylindrical sleeves 20 c and 30 c can have a shape that can be definedas a rectangular prism, triangular prism, hexagonal, etc., such that thecentral pivot post 40 c fits firmly inside of cylindrical sleeves 20 cand 30 c. In an alternative embodiment, the cylindrical sleeves 20 c and30 c can be configured to fit on the outside of the central pivot post40 c. Additionally, the outer surface of the central pivot post 40 cshould touch or nearly touch the interior surface of the cylindricalsleeves 20 c and 30 c so that, when assembled, the central pivot post 40c and cylindrical sleeves 20 c and 30 c provide stability to theplatform. Extension member 40 d can be larger than the central pivotpost 40 c to prevent sleeves 20 c and 30 c from sliding off the bottomend of the central pivot post 40 c. In other words, the extension member40 d can function as a lower capping member.

Cylindrical sleeve 30 c can have a notch 30 g disposed about its bottomrim and cylindrical sleeve 20 c can have a notch 20 g disposed about itstop rim. The two notches 20 g, 30 g can be disposed in their respectivecylindrical sleeves 20 c, 30 c so that they line up with one another toform a hole through which a button 52 can fit through. As shown, thenotches 20 g, 30 g form a circular hole, but in alternative embodimentsthe hole can be any shape. As shown in FIG. 5, the spring button 52 canextend from a spring 50 disposed within the internal volume of thecentral pivot post 40 c. When assembled, the spring button 52 can extendthrough a hole in the sidewall of the central pivot post 40 c andthrough the hole formed by the notches 20 g, 30 g disposed in thecylindrical sleeves 20 c, 30 c. The button 52 will prevent cylindricalsleeve 20 c, cylindrical sleeve 30 c, and the central pivot post 40 cfrom rotating about the central axis independent of one another. Inother words, when fully assembled, the spring pin button 52 and thenotches 30 g and 20 g form a locking mechanism that restrainscylindrical sleeve 30 c and cylindrical sleeve 20 c from rotating aboutcentral pivot post 40 c. However, when the button 52 is pushed in, andis no longer engaging the notches 20 g and 30 g, then the cylindricalsleeves 20 c and 30 c can rotate independently of each other, andindependently of the central pivot post 40 c, allowing the platform tocollapse. In other words, when the spring pin button 52 is depressed,cylindrical sleeve 30 c and cylindrical sleeve 20 c can rotate freelyabout the central pivot post 40 c.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the assembled collapsiblethree-legged platform in the open position. During assembly, thecylindrical sleeve 20 c of leg 20 can first slide onto the central pivotpost 40 c of leg 40 and come to rest on the extension element 40 d.Next, the cylindrical sleeve 30 c of leg 30 can slide onto the centralpivot post 40 c, coming to rest on the cylindrical sleeve 20 c. Next,upper capping member 10 can be secured to the arm 40 b of leg 40 suchthat at least a portion of the upper capping member extends over thecylindrical sleeve 30 c to prevent the cylindrical sleeves 20 c and 30 cfrom sliding off of the central pivot post 40 c. The upper cappingmember 10 thereby holds the assembly in place, preventing the three legs20, 30, 40 from coming apart. However, the upper capping member 10should not contact the cylindrical sleeve 30 c in such a way that wouldprevent the cylindrical sleeves 20 c and 30 c and the central pivot post40 c from rotating about the central axis C in relation to one another.

FIG. 7 depicts a top-side plain view of the collapsible three-leggedplatform in the “opened” position, and FIG. 8 depict a top-side plainview of the collapsible three-legged platform in the “collapsed” or“closed” position. In the open position, the three legs 20, 30, 40 arestable when positioned 120 degrees from one another. The legs are lockedin this configuration when the button 52 is disposed through the holecreated by the hole in the central pivot post 40 c lined up with thenotches 20 g, 30 g disposed on the cylindrical sleeves 20 g, 30 g anddiscussed above in reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. When the button 52 isdisposed through the hole, the legs 20, 30, 40 are prevented fromrotating about the central axis C independently of one another. Tocollapse the platform, the button 52 can be pushed, pulled or otherwiseremoved from the hole, thereby allowing the legs 20, 30, 40 to freelyrotate about the central axis C independently of one another. In one ormore embodiments, the platform can be collapsed and carried by thehandle 40 f disposed on one of the legs 20, 30, 40. As shown, the handle40 f can be disposed on the leg 40, so that a user can remove the button52 from the hole and lift the platform by the handle 40 f. When this isdone, legs 20 and 30 will rotate downward and toward each other to forma flattened, “collapsed” platform which is easy to carry and store forlater use.

FIG. 9 depicts a release mechanism. This release mechanism can replacethe spring 50 and button 52 discussed above in reference to FIG. 3. Therelease mechanism can include a handle 60, a finger grip 62, a supportbar 63, one or more springs (three are shown, 66, 68, 69), a stop bar64, or any combination thereof. For convenience of describing theinvention, the stop bar 64 may also be referred to from here on as a“button.” The handle 60 can be mounted to the leg 40 and positioned sothat when a user grabs the handle 60, the leg 40 provides structuralsupport. The palm grip of the handle 60 can be on the exterior of theleg 40 and the support bar 63 can be on the interior of the leg 40 andgenerally disposed between the arms 40 b. The support bar can connect toa first distal end of the stop bar 64. The stop bar 64 can extend to thecentral pivot members such that a second distal end of the stop bar 64is disposed through the hole in the central pivot post 40 c and notches20 g, and 30 g when the platform is in the open position. When disposedthrough these holes, the stop bar 64 prevents the legs 20, 30, 40 fromrotating independently of each other, similar to the button 52 discussabove.

The one or more springs 66, 68, 69 can provide the appropriate forwardforce to keep the stop bar 64 inserted into the holes when the legs 20,30, 40 are in the open position. To collapse the platform, the stop bar64 can be removed from the holes by compressing the springs 66, 68, 69,which can be accomplished by a user pulling back the support bar 63. Thehandle 60 can generally extend toward the interior of the platform sothat a user can grab the handle and use her finger to pull the supportbar 63 by squeezing her hand together. The support bar 63 can bedisposed within the finger grip 62 and configured to provide comfort tothe user. The handle 40 f, 60 may be made of rubber or similar materialand molded such that it provides an optimum surface for gripping thecollapsible three-legged platform.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of the collapsible three-leggedplatform having a wok 50 disposed thereon. In an alternative embodiment,a pan, pot, or other cooking apparatus may be positioned in the tops ofthe legs 20, 30, 40 to provide a cooking surface. In at least oneembodiment, the center of the cooking surface is aligned about thecentral axis C of the platform and in line with the burner. As such, theflame from the burner can provide the highest heat to the center of thecooking surface. High friction feet 20 e, 30 e, 40 e may be attached tothe bottom of legs 20, 30 and 40 respectively such that they provide aflat surface or additional friction against the supporting surface.

The platform can be assembled as shown in FIG. 10 for cooking. Toquickly collapse the platform, a user can remove the cooking surface 50,release the button 52, 64, and lift upward on the handle 40 f, 60. Thecollapsed platform can then be carried and stored. To use the platformagain, a user need only put the collapsed platform in the uprightposition and maneuver the legs 20, 30, 40 into the correct position, asshown. Once the holes are formed and aligned by the notches 20 g, 30 gin the cylindrical sleeves 20 c, 30 c and the central pivot post 40 c,the spring-loaded button 52, 64 will “pop” into place as the spring(s)50, 66, 68, 69 will force the button 52, 64 through the holes.

The collapsible three-legged platform disclosed herein is particularlysuited for supporting a grill having a spherical lower surface, similarto a wok. The bottom portion of the legs may be adapted to be extendedto provide additional space beneath the central pivot post.

Although the present invention has been described with respect tospecific details, it is not intended that such details be regarded aslimitations on the scope of the invention, except to the extent thatthey are included in the accompanying claims. It will thus beappreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devisenumerous alternative arrangements that, while not shown or describedherein, embody the principles of the invention and thus are within itsspirit and scope.

We claim:
 1. A collapsible platform assembly, comprising: a first leghaving an arm attached to a central pivot post, the central pivot posthaving a release mechanism; a second leg having an arm with an extensionelement and a first sleeve, the first sleeve pivotally engaging thecentral pivot post; a third leg having an arm with an extension elementand a second sleeve, the second sleeve pivotally engaging the centralpivot post; and a capping member.
 2. The collapsible platform assemblyof claim 1, wherein when the release mechanism is activated, the firstleg, second leg, and third leg can be maneuvered such that thecollapsible platform assembly moves between an open and collapsedposition.
 3. A collapsible platform assembly, comprising: a first leghaving an arm attached thereto, the arm attached to a central pivotpost, the central pivot post having a release mechanism; a second leghaving an arm attached thereto, the arm having attached thereto anextension element and a first sleeve, the first sleeve pivotallyengaging the central pivot post; a third leg having an arm attachedthereto, the arm having attached thereto an extension element and asecond sleeve, the second sleeve pivotally engaging the central pivotpost; and an upper capping member.
 4. The collapsible platform assemblyof claim 3, wherein when the release mechanism is activated the firstleg, second leg, and third leg can be maneuvered such that thecollapsible platform assembly moves between an open and collapsedposition.
 5. A collapsible platform assembly, comprising: a first leghaving an arm attached thereto, the arm attached to a central pivotpost; a second leg having an arm attached thereto, the arm havingattached thereto an extension element and a first sleeve, the firstsleeve pivotally engaging the central pivot post; a third leg having anarm attached thereto, the arm having attached thereto an extensionelement and a second sleeve, the second sleeve pivotally engaging thecentral pivot post; an upper capping member; and a release mechanismengaging the first sleeve and second sleeve such that when activated,the collapsible platform assembly can maneuver between an open positionand a collapsed position.